Thema Talks Takes a Regenerative Turn

On March 27^th, 2025, Thema Collection hosted another engaging session of Thema Talks at NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka. Held in collaboration with NSBM Green University and Murdoch University, the event delved into the theme of regenerative tourism from diverse perspectives, global, Australian, and Sri Lankan, while spotlighting the role of Thema Collection in reshaping the future of travel under the theme “Exploring Regenerative Tourism: Insights from a Transformative Study Tour.”

The panel brought together professionals from academia and the industry offering valuable insights on regenerative tourism. Dr. Diane Lee, Academic Chair of the Tourism and Events Program at Murdoch University, opened the discussion by laying the theoretical foundation of regenerative tourism and trace the evolution of tourism practices over time. Reflecting on the learnings from the study tour, she emphasized, “Our tourism program prioritizes community support over mass tourism, which can harm local environments. Sustainable tourism aims to prevent negative impacts, while regenerative tourism actively improves destinations. It’s an approach we’ve embraced in our evolving perspective on tourism.”

Building on this conceptual framework, Mr. Janith Iddawala, Casual Academic and PhD Candidate at Murdoch University, highlighted the transformative potential of regenerative tourism in emerging destinations like Sri Lanka. He noted, “Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustaining; it strives towards creating a net positive change while replenishing tourism destinations. While some aspects of Sri Lanka’s tourism are already regenerative in their own right; there is an urgent need for multi-stakeholder collaboration and reconfiguring of stakeholder values, if we are to develop tourism in emerging destinations by leveraging regenerative tourism approaches”

Adding to the discussion, Mr. Yohei Okamoto, Associate Lecturer of the Tourism and Events Program at Murdoch University, offered insights on the evolving nature of study tours and their alignment with regenerative values. He shared, “Reciprocity in tourism isn’t just financial; it’s about meaningful exchanges. Study tours have evolved by fostering deeper community engagement through volunteering and cultural interactions. The shift towards regenerative values reflects broader lifestyle changes, with concepts like “Dawnbreak” emphasizing wellness and low-impact living.”

Bringing in the industry perspective, Maxime Wickramasinghe, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Thema Collection, discussed the responsibility of the private sector in supporting regenerative practices. He emphasized that true sustainability goes beyond surface-level luxury: “Sustainable tourism isn’t just about luxury. It’s about fairness, relationships, and meaningful local engagement. Many invest in tourism without grassroots knowledge, risking their savings. The private sector must provide guidance on business improvements, ensuring locals have the tools to succeed.”

From the academic front, Ms. Thilini De Silva, Dean of the Faculty of Business at NSBM Green University, reflected on the importance of embedding regenerative tourism into academic programs. She stated, “Tourism education must evolve from sustainability to regeneration. Updating university curricula ensures students don’t just prepare for jobs but become changemakers, bringing fresh perspectives to industry challenges and community development”

The discussion left a lasting impression on both the in-person and online audiences, offering fresh perspectives and actionable insights to reimagine tourism in a regenerative way.

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